About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
Your Guide To Finding The Best Air Conditioner for Your Home
By Travis Baugh
What is the best air conditioner?
The best air conditioner for your home is one that is correctly sized for your space, balances energy efficiency (SEER2) with your budget, and offers the specific features you need, such as humidity control or smart home integration. Top-rated systems often feature variable-speed compressors for consistent comfort and quieter operation.
Choosing the best air conditioner for your home is crucial for creating a comfortable and enjoyable living environment. At Bryant, we are committed to providing the right air conditioners to meet your cooling needs. Our selection includes AC units with superior efficiency, energy savings, quiet operation, and smart features to enhance your comfort and convenience.
Seven Factors To Choose the Best Air Conditioner For Your Home
Selecting the best air conditioner involves several important considerations.
David Fowler, owner of Family Heating and Air in Pensacola, Florida, highlights several key factors to consider when selecting the best air conditioner for your home.
“One of the most important things is it's the correct size for the home,” Fowler said. “Another is how long you are going to live in the home; if it's short-term, you may not invest as much as you would if you were staying in the home long-term. Additionally, think about the overall comfort level expected of the home: do you want the unit to remove humidity
By better understanding these seven factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best air conditioner for your specific needs.
1.Energy Efficiency (SEER2 and EER2)
How do I know if an AC is energy efficient?
Check the SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. A higher SEER2 rating indicates better efficiency over a typical cooling season, while a higher EER2 shows efficiency during peak heat (95°F).
"EER2 is measured under peak load instead of a seasonal load," Fowler said. "That way, homeowners know when it's really hot outside that their unit is going to maintain the efficiency that it was designed to maintain."
Our commitment to energy efficiency extends beyond SEER2 and EER2 ratings. Our best air conditioners incorporate variable-speed compressors, which adjust cooling output based on your home's specific needs. This improves energy efficiency and enhances comfort by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.
2. Environmental Impact
Bryant air conditioners utilize environmentally-friendly Puron Advance™ refrigerant. Puron Advance ™ is a non-ozone depleting AC refrigerant with a low global warming potential, contributing to a greener environment. Choosing a Bryant air conditioner allows you to enjoy advanced energy-saving technologies while minimizing your environmental footprint.
3. Type of Air Conditioner Needed
What are the different types of AC units?
Another factor is the type of air conditioner that suits your requirements. The three main types are central air conditioning (for whole-home cooling), ductless mini-splits (for room-specific cooling without ducts), and packaged units (all-in-one outdoor systems).
- Central Air Conditioning: Central air conditioning cools an entire home using an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by ductwork. It is the standard for consistent, whole-home comfort.
- Ductless Mini Split Systems: Ductless mini split systems feature an outdoor compressor and indoor handling units mounted on walls or ceilings. They offer flexible, energy-efficient zoning for homes without ducts. Explore wall AC and garage AC unit options
- Packaged Air Conditioners: Packaged units combine combine all components into a single outdoor unit. They are efficient space-savers, perfect for homes with limited indoor space for HVAC equipment.
4. Quiet Operation
How loud should an air conditioner be?
The best air conditioners operate quietly, often as low as 51 decibels (comparable to a quiet conversation). Look for units with sound blankets and variable-speed technology for the quietest performance.
All Evolution™ Series air conditioners feature an AeroQuiet™ System II design to ensure whisper-quiet operation. Evolution Series split AC units have a soft start and smooth ramp-up, allowing you to relax undisturbed.
“Noise level can be a concern depending on where the outdoor air conditioner is located," Mike Lea, co-owner of Lea Heating & Air Conditioning in East Dundee, IL said. "A lot of customers have air conditioners that sit outside their bedroom windows, so they’re looking for lower noise levels."
5. Humidity Control
Comfort goes beyond temperature control. Humidity control is a crucial feature in air conditioners. Bryant EvolutionTM Series air conditioners offer extreme humidity control and can remove up to 400% more moisture than standard air conditioning systems.1 By maintaining optimal humidity, Bryant EvolutionTM units create a more comfortable living environment, which is especially important in regions with high moisture levels.
6. Smart Features and Convenience
What smart features should I look for in an AC?
Look for Wi-Fi connectivity, remote scheduling via smartphone apps, and integration with voice assistants like Alexa. These features optimize energy usage and ensure your home is comfortable before you walk through the door.
With the Bryant SmartHome App, you can easily control your Bryant Evolution System from anywhere. Whether at work or on vacation, you can adjust the temperature, fan speed, and mode settings. Many Bryant air conditioners also integrate with popular smart home platforms for voice command capabilities.
7. Warranty and Customer Support
Investing in a new air conditioner requires a reliable warranty for peace of mind. All Bryant air conditioners come with a 10-year AC parts limited warranty upon timely registration.
Additionally, Bryant EvolutionTM series air conditioners come with a Red ShieldTM 10-year unit replacement warranty if registered within 90 days of AC installation.2 Should a major component like the compressor, evaporator coil or heat exchanger fail due to defect during this applicable time-period, a one-time AC replacement with a comparable Bryant unit will be provided.
Work With A Bryant Dealer To Find The Best Air Conditioner For Your Home
Bryant air conditioners are renowned for their superior performance and reliability. With advanced cooling technology and energy-efficient features, Bryant air conditioners provide optimal comfort while helping you save on cooling costs.
Connect with your local Bryant dealer to determine the best air conditioner for your home.
Learn More About Air Conditioners
- Learn about how does air conditioning work
- Get in the know on air conditioning service
- Understand what size air conditioner you need
- Find out how long do AC units last?
- Discover the difference in a heat pump vs air conditioner
- Find out what temperature to set air conditioner in summer
- Learn about AC sizes: 2 ton, 3 ton, 4 ton, 5 ton
1 Based on Bryant testing under simulated “worst case” conditions, as compared to a single-stage 13.0 SEER unit.
2Unit replacement limited warranty is not available to subsequent owners. The limited warranty period is five years if not registered within 90 days except in jurisdictions where warranty benefits cannot be conditioned on registration will automatically receive a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty. See limited warranty certificate at Bryant.com for complete details and restrictions.
